A new security camera, smart thermostat or home device can prove a much-needed addition to your home — but sometimes they can be more than you bargained for.
You may realize you don’t want to pay a subscription for a certain cam or system, or you may find that they’re not as compatible with your home as you hoped. For example, you may buy a wired video doorbell, only to discover that the wiring for your old doorbell is in the wrong position for a camera and too expensive to move. Or maybe you got a device as a gift and it’s simply not a good fit.
If the device is still new, your first thought is probably to return it and get your cash back. Fortunately, there are ways to do that. Here’s where to begin.
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Can I return smart home devices to big-box stores for a refund?
If you bought a security camera from a big store like Best Buy, Target or Walmart, you’re probably wondering if you can return a security cam or system there. You usually can, but you’ll need to follow the store’s specific policies about returns.
For complex electronics like smart home products, that means you have about 30 days to return the product for some kind of refund (standard goods are 90 days, but the time period is shortened for home electronics). Bringing in the receipt can help, but it’s not always necessary to complete the return, and stores have different policies.
Some stores cut this time frame shorter: Best Buy, for example, limits the return window to 15 days unless you have an account with the company. So pack up your device and plan your visit soon.
Important note: Around the holidays, these return rules can change. For stores like Best Buy and Walmart, if you buy during November or December, your return window is lengthened to Jan. 15.
Do I need to return smart home devices in person or can I mail them in?
If you or someone else bought the device at a brick-and-mortar store, you should return it at that store or one near your location. If you bought online, you should visit the exact website the product was purchased from and request a return.
Amazon, for example, typically has a 30-day return window like many stores. It will give you a label you can use to ship the product back, and will issue a refund based on your method of payment when it receives the product..
There are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if you receive a damaged item from Walmart.com, Walmart allows you to return it at a physical store.
Can you return home tech to the company that made it?
It’s usually possible, although the company may have a unique process. Luckily, brands like Arlo, Lorex and Ring still maintain the 30-day window from the shipping date to request a return. You can find return options by contacting their customer support or filling out an online form. Here are Tapo’s instructions for reference.
Note that website returns aren’t interchangeable just because you’re online. That means if you bought a device at Ring’s Amazon storefront, you can’t return it on the Ring website; you need to use the standard Amazon return process. If you didn’t buy directly from a brand website, it’s unlikely to honor any returns.
Can I get a full refund for purchased devices like these?
That depends. If you’re returning in person, it matters if you’ve opened the smart device box. If the box and seal are untouched, you’re probably going to get a full refund. If you already opened the box and/or tried to use the device, then a restocking fee will be deducted from your return. This is usually around 15% of the purchase price.
If you’re online, you’ll get a print label to ship the product back. Sometimes, you may be able to make other arrangements like dropping off the product box at a local shipping store. In most cases, you will have to pay the shipping charge but will receive a full refund otherwise.
How are refunds like these processed?
Generally, the company will initiate a card chargeback and you will be credited the refund to the credit or debit card (or bank account) used for purchase. Some websites may give you the option to add the funds to your account with them for faster processing — Amazon offers this option if you regularly shop there.
How long will it take to get a refund?
That varies based on the product and the time of year, as well as how much money you spent. During busy times, it can take a few weeks to process a return. You can contact customer service to try to speed things up if you need to. As we mentioned above, directing funds into an account you hold with the company is a much faster option. Don’t rely on having the money back by a certain time.
What if I got the security device as a gift?
Everything still applies, except the chargeback will occur on the giver’s card used to buy the security device. For convenience, it’s often best to have the gift giver make the return themselves since they may need to use their own online accounts.
What about multi-part items like a full security system?
Include all items in the original box and you should be fine — but security systems may have slightly different rules. You typically have a return window similar to individual products for whole systems, sometimes called a trial period. You can return within this trial period and get a full refund, although you’ll probably have to pay shipping costs. The exact window can vary: ADT gives you 30 days, SimpliSafe gives you 60 days, Abode is 30 days and so on.
Do I need to wipe the device before I return it?
Yes. If you have a smart device that you’ve set up and tried to use, you need to do a full factory reset that wipes the device. You can usually find this option in your account or settings menu. It helps protect your privacy, and it’s often required as part of the return process anyway. If you don’t plan on using that brand again, request to delete your account and delete the app as well to complete the process.
For a complete look at managing your smart home devices and costs, take a look at the best cams without subscriptions, how to get professional home monitoring for extra-cheap and the top security systems for renters.
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